Published: December 02, 2008 10:52 pm         

Businesswoman to run for mayor

EDMOND — An Edmond businesswoman said Tuesday she is ready to take the next step in serving her hometown.

Patrice Douglas announced her candidacy for Edmond mayor two months ahead of the filing period for City Council offices.

“Edmond needs energy, leadership, passion and vision,” Douglas told The Sun on Tuesday. “We’re at a critical time for our city.”

The offices of mayor, City Council Wards 3 and 4 and city treasurer will be up for re-election this spring. Filing for candidacy is scheduled for Feb. 2-4, said Betty Brinkman in the Edmond city clerk’s office. Candidates will file for the offices at the Oklahoma County Election Board in Oklahoma City.

A primary election, if needed, is scheduled for March 3 and the general election is set for April 7. Edmond City Council is expected to vote next week on officially calling for the elections and setting the ballot.

Incumbent officers are Mayor Dan O’Neil, Ward 3 Councilman Charles Lamb, Ward 4 Councilman David Miller and City Treasurer Stephen Schaus.

“I have a passion to serve Edmond and a desire to make a difference. This is my home and where we choose to raise our family, and I enjoy serving my friends and neighbors,” Douglas stated in a campaign press release.

The former attorney has in recent years focused her career in the manufacturing sector and most recently in banking. She now serves as executive vice president for First Fidelity Bank in Edmond and leads its commercial team. Before joining First Fidelity earlier this year, Douglas served as president of the Greater Oklahoma City market for SpiritBank, where she had worked since 2004.

“Growing up as the daughter of a small businessman, I understand what it takes to make a payroll and to make ends meet. In these tough economic times, Edmond needs a reasonable leader who has common sense, and knows when government should step in and lend a hand and when it should back off,” Douglas stated.

She previously served as vice president and general counsel for ACP Sheet Metal Company, her family’s business, before she entered the banking profession. Prior to that experience, she practiced law for 13 years, most of it spent at the Oklahoma Supreme Court.

Douglas said Edmond faces challenges as a growing suburb and that she plans to strengthen the community’s building blocks by focusing on police and fire protection, safe streets, quality jobs, enhanced parks and the city’s arts and entertainment options.

“Our small businesses should be allowed to thrive amidst neighborhoods that are safe, beautiful and strong,” she stated.

Douglas also said, if elected, she would focus on building a variety of partnerships for the city at the county, state and federal levels. These partnerships would aim toward enhancing public services.

She is married to Brent Douglas and they have two sons, Patrick, 14, and Phillip, 11.

     

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